Local sculptor offers bronze swimmer for Carbondale pool; CPAC and Parks & Rec express interest

Summary

Sculptor Gail Falwell has proposed donating a bronze swimmer (roughly 9 feet) for placement at the new community pool; Parks & Rec has identified a possible site, the artist is offering donated time toward casting, and CPAC plans to seek donors for casting and installation or consider using some of its 1% public-art fund if needed.

CPAC members heard Nov. 5 that sculptor Gail Falwell has offered a bronze swimmer for placement at Carbondale’s planned community pool.

Members said Parks & Rec staff and the project architect visited potential locations at the new pool and found a feasible site. Falwell is reported to be donating her time toward the piece; the commission would need to raise funds to cover casting and installation. CPAC noted the pool project is not fully funded, so the sculpture could be added later rather than at grand opening.

Commission members said Falwell is an established sculptor with public work in other Colorado locations; the proposed swimmer would be about 9 feet long and rendered in bronze. CPAC discussed seeking a private donor to fund casting and installation and said the commission would present the idea to the trustees and potential donors once the pool project funding and timeline are clearer.

If a private donor cannot be found, CPAC noted it might consider allocating some of its 1% public-art monies toward installation costs, subject to trustee approval and budget availability.